By Nikola Miloradovic / info@eurohoops.net
Željko Obradović believes the key to Panathinaikos‘ new chapter will not be tactics or talent alone, but restoring the family atmosphere that defined the club during its most successful years.
Speaking to the club’s official media, the legendary coach admitted that his close relationship with the Giannakopoulos family was decisive in bringing him back to OAKA.
“Without any question. Our relationship has always been like a family. Dimitris wants to do everything for Panathinaikos. Our conversation was very open, we both understood this was the right opportunity, and once again I want to thank him for bringing me back.”
That sense of family is something Obradović wants to rebuild throughout the entire organization, starting with the coaching staff.
The Serbian coach expressed his delight that club legends Dimitris Diamantidis and Mike Batiste, two key figures from his first spell in Athens, have also returned and will now work alongside him.
“I’m extremely happy that both of them are back and will work together with us. Once again, I want to thank Dimitris Giannakopoulos for giving me the opportunity to bring them back.”
For Obradović, their return is about much more than nostalgia.
“I keep repeating one message: we must be a family. With those two, and with everyone already here, I believe we have a great opportunity to create exactly the atmosphere we want.”
The nine-time EuroLeague champion also expressed confidence in the current roster, highlighting the importance of having players who already understand his philosophy.
“We already have a very good roster and, with the new players, we’ll be able to compete with anyone. I’ve coached Kostas Sloukas, Mathias Lessort and Isaac Bonga before, and that helps because we know each other. Now we have to build chemistry and mutual respect.”
Still, he made it clear that no player will ever be above the collective.
“We have many talented players, but we have to play as a team. That’s the key to everything. The philosophy is simple: the team is more important than any individual, including me.”
Asked what success would look like at the end of the season, Obradović pointed to the team’s identity rather than silverware.
“The present and the future are much more important than the past. I want to see a team that fights. I want our fans to leave every game happy because of the way we played. For me, that’s more important than anything else.“
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